U.S. patent application number 15/581591 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for releasable lock for rear folding implement wings.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schulte Industries Ltd.. Invention is credited to Vincent Colistro, Todd Hofmann.
Application Number | 20180110177 15/581591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61970866 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180110177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hofmann; Todd ; et
al. |
April 26, 2018 |
RELEASABLE LOCK FOR REAR FOLDING IMPLEMENT WINGS
Abstract
An agricultural implement has a center frame supported on center
wheels and right and left interframes are pivotally attached to
corresponding ends of the center frame about wing pivot axes. Right
and left wing frames are pivotally attached at front inner ends
thereof to front ends of corresponding interframes about front
interframe pivot axes. Rear inner portions of the wing frames are
movably attached to corresponding interframes. Latch mechanisms
selectively lock the rear inner portions each wing frame to rear
portions of the corresponding interframes. A center actuator pivots
the center frame such that the frames move from an operating
position extending rearward to an initial transport position
extending upward where the interframes and wing frames can pivot
rearward about the upright wing pivot axes. The front interframe
pivot axes are oriented perpendicular to the wing pivot axes.
Inventors: |
Hofmann; Todd; (Saskatoon,
CA) ; Colistro; Vincent; (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schulte Industries Ltd. |
Englefeld |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
61970866 |
Appl. No.: |
15/581591 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 73/048 20130101;
A01B 73/067 20130101; A01B 63/22 20130101; A01B 23/06 20130101;
A01B 76/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01B 76/00 20060101
A01B076/00; A01B 73/06 20060101 A01B073/06; A01B 63/22 20060101
A01B063/22; A01B 73/04 20060101 A01B073/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2016 |
CA |
2946491 |
Claims
1. An agricultural implement apparatus comprising: a hitch frame
with a forward end thereof adapted for attachment to a towing
vehicle; a center frame with a front end thereof pivotally attached
to a rear end of the hitch frame about a hitch pivot axis oriented
substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel
direction; center wheels supporting the rear end of the hitch frame
for travel in the operating travel direction; right and left
interframes pivotally attached to corresponding right and left ends
of the center frame about corresponding right and left wing pivot
axes; right and left wing frames pivotally attached at front inner
ends thereof to corresponding front ends of the right and left
interframes about corresponding right and left substantially
parallel front interframe pivot axes; wherein rear inner portions
of the right and left wing frames are movably attached to
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes such
that in a transport configuration each of the right and left wing
frames is pivotable about the corresponding right and left front
interframe pivot axes; right and left latch mechanisms, each latch
mechanism selectively operative to lock the rear inner portion of
the corresponding wing frame to the corresponding interframe in a
working configuration where pivotal movement about the
corresponding front interframe pivot axis is prevented; a center
actuator operative to pivot the center frame about the hitch pivot
axis such that the center frame, the right and left interframes,
and the right and left wing frames move from an operating position
extending rearward from the hitch pivot axis to an initial
transport position extending upward from the hitch pivot axis;
wherein the right and left wing pivot axes are in a substantially
horizontal orientation parallel to the operating travel direction
when the center frame, the right and left interframes, and the
right and left wing frames are in the operating position, and the
right and left wing pivot axes are in a substantially upright
orientation when the center frame, the right and left interframes,
and the right and left wing frames are in the initial transport
position; wherein the front interframe pivot axes are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the wing pivot axes and are in a
substantially vertical orientation when the center frame, the right
and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames are in the
operating position; wherein the right and left interframes, and the
right and left wing frames pivot about the upright wing pivot axes
from the initial transport position extending laterally outward
from the corresponding right and left ends of the center frame to a
final transport position extending rearward from the corresponding
right and left ends of the center frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear inner portions of the
right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left scissor assemblies, each scissor
assembly comprising: an outer arm pivotally attached to an inner
arm about a center scissor axis oriented substantially parallel to
the front interframe pivot axes; wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached at an outer end thereof to a rear inner end of the
corresponding wing frame about an outer scissor pivot axis oriented
substantially parallel to the front interframe pivot axes; and
wherein the inner arm is pivotally attached at an inner end thereof
to a rear end of the corresponding interframe about an inner
scissor pivot axis oriented substantially parallel to the front
interframe pivot axes.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached to the inner arm by upper and lower center scissor
pins.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached at the outer end thereof to the rear inner end of the
corresponding wing frame by upper and lower outer scissor pins and
the inner arm is pivotally attached at the inner end thereof to the
rear end of the corresponding interframe by upper and lower inner
scissor pins.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear inner portions of the
right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left pivot plate assemblies, each pivot
plate assembly comprising a slotted pivot plate pivotally attached
at an inner end thereof to a rear end of the corresponding
interframe by an inner plate pivot pin oriented substantially
parallel to the front interframe pivot axes and pivotally attached
at an outer end thereof to a rear inner end of the corresponding
wing frame by an outer plate pivot pin oriented substantially
parallel to the inner plate pivot pin, and wherein one of the inner
and outer plate pivot pins is movable in a slot defined by the
plate.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each inner plate pivot pin
extends through first and second interframe brackets attached to
the rear end of the corresponding interframe, and each outer plate
pivot pin extends through first and second wing brackets attached
to the rear inner end of the corresponding wing frame, and wherein
each slotted pivot plate is located between the corresponding first
and second interframe brackets and between the corresponding first
and second wing brackets.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rear inner portions of the
right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left fixed plate assemblies, each fixed
plate assembly comprising: a slotted fixed plate pivotally fixed at
a first end thereof to one of a rear end of the corresponding
interframe and a rear inner end of the corresponding wing frame; a
curved slot defined by the fixed plate; a guide pin extending from
the other one of the rear end of the corresponding interframe and
the rear inner end of the corresponding wing frame and through the
curved slot to a pin head; wherein the curved slot is configured
such that the guide pin moves along the curved slot when the
corresponding wing frame pivots about the corresponding front
interframe pivot axis.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each latch mechanism comprises:
a first latch member movably attached to one of the wing frame and
the corresponding interframe, a second latch member attached to the
other of the wing frame and the corresponding interframe; a bias
element operative to exert a bias force urging the first latch
member toward an engaged position; the first and second latch
members configured such that when the wing frame pivots toward the
corresponding interframe about the corresponding front interframe
pivot axis, the second latch member contacts the first latch member
and forces the first latch member away from the engaged position
until the second latch member is in an engageable position, and
when the second latch member is in the engageable position the bias
force moves the first latch member to the engaged position securing
the second latch member to the first latch member; and a latch
actuator operative to release the second latch member from the
first latch member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second latch member is
movably attached to the other of the wing frame and the
corresponding interframe and the latch actuator is operative to
move the second latch member out of the engageable position to
release the second latch member from the first latch member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second latch member
comprises a latch bar and the first latch member defines a latch
hook configured to secure the latch bar when the first latch member
is in the engaged position and the second latch member is in the
engageable position.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right and left interframes
are pivotally attached at lower portions thereof about the
corresponding right and left wing pivot axes to lower portions of
the corresponding right and left ends of the center frame, such
that the right and left wing pivot axes are located at a vertical
location in proximity to rotational axes of the center wheels when
the center frame, the right and left interframes, and the right and
left wing frames are in the operating position.
12. An agricultural implement apparatus comprising: a center frame
supported on center wheels for travel in an operating travel
direction; right and left interframes pivotally attached to
corresponding right and left ends of the center frame about
corresponding right and left wing pivot axes; right and left wing
frames pivotally attached at front inner ends thereof to
corresponding front ends of the right and left interframes about
corresponding right and left substantially parallel front
interframe pivot axes; wherein rear inner portions of the right and
left wing frames are movably attached to corresponding rear
portions of the right and left interframes such that the each of
the right and left wing frames are movable away from and toward the
corresponding right and left interframes as the right and left wing
frames pivot about the corresponding interframe pivot axes; right
and left latch mechanisms, each latch mechanism operative to
releasably attach the rear inner portion of the corresponding wing
frame to the corresponding interframe such that pivotal movement
about the corresponding right and left front interframe pivot axes
of each wing frame with respect to the corresponding interframe is
prevented; a center actuator operative to pivot the center frame,
the right and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames
from an operating position extending rearward, to an initial
transport position extending upward; wherein the right and left
wing pivot axes are in a substantially horizontal orientation
parallel to the operating travel direction when the center frame,
the right and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames
are in the operating position, and the right and left wing pivot
axes are in a substantially upright orientation when the center
frame, the right and left interframes, and the right and left wing
frames are in the initial transport position; wherein the front
interframe pivot axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to
the wing pivot axes and are in a substantially vertical orientation
when the center frame, the right and left interframes, and the
right and left wing frames are in the operating position; wherein
the right and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames
attached thereto, pivot about the upright wing pivot axes from the
initial transport position extending laterally outward from the
corresponding right and left ends of the center frame to a final
transport position extending rearward from the corresponding right
and left ends of the center frame.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rear inner portions of
the right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left scissor assemblies, each scissor
assembly comprising: an outer arm pivotally attached to an inner
arm about a center scissor axis oriented substantially parallel to
the front interframe pivot axes; wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached at an outer end thereof to a rear inner end of the
corresponding wing frame about an outer scissor pivot axis oriented
substantially parallel to the front interframe pivot axes; and
wherein the inner arm is pivotally attached at an inner end thereof
to a rear end of the corresponding interframe about an inner
scissor pivot axis oriented substantially parallel to the front
interframe pivot axes.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached to the inner arm by upper and lower center scissor
pins.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the outer arm is pivotally
attached at the outer end thereof to the rear inner end of the
corresponding wing frame by upper and lower outer scissor pins and
the inner arm is pivotally attached at the inner end thereof to the
rear end of the corresponding interframe by upper and lower inner
scissor pins.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the rear inner portions of
the right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left pivot plate assemblies, each pivot
plate assembly comprising a slotted pivot plate pivotally attached
at an inner end thereof to a rear end of the corresponding
interframe by an inner plate pivot pin oriented substantially
parallel to the front interframe pivot axes and pivotally attached
at an outer end thereof to a rear inner end of the corresponding
wing frame by an outer plate pivot pin oriented substantially
parallel to the inner plate pivot pin, and wherein one of the inner
and outer plate pivot pins is movable in a slot defined by the
plate.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the rear inner portions of
the right and left wing frames are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes by
corresponding right and left fixed plate assemblies, each fixed
plate assembly comprising: a slotted fixed plate pivotally fixed at
a first end thereof to one of a rear end of the corresponding
interframe and a rear inner end of the corresponding wing frame; a
curved slot defined by the fixed plate; a guide pin extending from
the other one of the rear end of the corresponding interframe and
the rear inner end of the corresponding wing frame and through the
curved slot to a pin head; wherein the curved slot is configured
such that the guide pin moves along the curved slot when the
corresponding wing frame pivots about the corresponding front
interframe pivot axis.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each latch mechanism
comprises: a first latch member movably attached to one of the wing
frame and the corresponding interframe, a second latch attached to
the other of the wing frame and the corresponding interframe; a
bias element operative to exert a bias force urging the first latch
member toward an engaged position; the first and second latch
members configured such that when the wing frame pivots toward the
corresponding interframe about the corresponding front interframe
pivot axis, the second latch member contacts the first latch member
and forces the first latch member away from the engaged position
until the second latch member is in an engageable position, and
when the second latch member is in the engageable position the bias
force moves the first latch member to the engaged position securing
the second latch member to the first latch member; and a latch
actuator operative to release the second latch member from the
first latch member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the second latch member
comprises a latch bar movably attached to the other of the wing
frame and the corresponding interframe and the first latch member
defines a latch hook configured to secure the latch bar when the
first latch member is in the engaged position and the second latch
member is in the engageable position and the latch actuator is
operative to move the second latch member out of the engageable
position to release the second latch member from the first latch
member.
20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the right and left
interframes are pivotally attached at lower portions thereof to
lower portions of the corresponding right and left ends of the
center frame, such that the right and left wing pivot axes are
located at a vertical location in proximity to rotational axes of
the center wheels when the center frame, the right and left
interframes, and the right and left wing frames are in the
operating position.
Description
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of agricultural
implements and in particular a releasable wing lock for implements
with rear folding wing sections.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A common type of wide agricultural implement includes right
and left wing frames pivotally attached to a center frame where the
wing frames fold rearward for transport. Ground engaging tools such
as discs, harrows and packers are mounted on the center and wing
frames.
[0003] A hitch frame is mounted on center wheels at a rear end
thereof and extends forward from the center wheels to a hitch
tongue adapted to be attached to the drawbar of a towing vehicle. A
center frame is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the hitch
frame about a hitch pivot axis that is perpendicular to the
operating travel direction. Right and left elongate wing tool bars
are in turn pivotally attached to outer ends of the center frame
about right and left wing pivot axes that are aligned with the
operating travel direction when in the operating position so that
the wing frames can pivot up and down with respect to the center
frame to follow ground contours. Wing operating wheels are attached
to outer portions of each wing to support the wings in the
operating position.
[0004] For transport the rear end of the center frame is pivoted
upward about the hitch pivot axis and the rear ends of the wing
frames, attached to the center section, follow the center section
and pivot upward moving the ground engaging tools above the ground.
Typically as the wing frames pivot upward, wing transport wheels
move down into contact with the ground and the wing operating
wheels are raised above the ground. The wing operating wheels are
oriented to roll in the operating travel direction when the wings
are in the operating position, and the wing transport wheels are
oriented to roll perpendicular to the operating travel direction.
Thus when the rear ends of the center and wing frames are raised to
a position where the wing pivot axes is generally vertical, the
operator can move the implement forward in the operating travel
direction and as the center frame moves in the operating travel
direction, the wing frames move to a position trailing behind the
center frame and substantially aligned with the operating travel
direction.
[0005] This system is commonly used in lighter implements such as
harrows where the wing frames comprise simply a single laterally
extending member, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,809 to
Summach, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,762 to Page, U.S. Pat. No.
3,640,345 to Sosalla, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,539,016 to Bauer et
al.
[0006] Heavier implements with rear folding wing frames are also
known. U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,597 to Neudorf et al. discloses an air
seeder implement with no center section and with rear folding wings
where again the wing frames comprise simply a single laterally
extending member to which the ground engaging tools are attached.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,795 to Dillon discloses an implement where the
front of the wing sections is raised prior to folding the wings
rearward. U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,342 to Friggstad discloses an air
seeder implement with no center section where the wing frames fold
rearward for transport and forward portions of the wing frames fold
up. In the operating position the wing frames are connected at both
front and rear portions thereof to make a substantially rigid
structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure provides an agricultural implement
apparatus with upward and rearward folding right and left wing
frames that overcomes problems in the prior art.
[0008] In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides an
agricultural implement apparatus comprising a hitch frame with a
forward end thereof adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle, and
a center frame with a front end thereof pivotally attached to a
rear end of the hitch frame about a hitch pivot axis oriented
substantially horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel
direction. Center wheels support the rear end of the hitch frame
for travel in the operating travel direction and right and left
interframes are pivotally attached to corresponding right and left
ends of the center frame about corresponding right and left wing
pivot axes. Right and left wing frames are pivotally attached at
front inner ends thereof to corresponding front ends of the right
and left interframes about corresponding right and left
substantially parallel front interframe pivot axes. Rear inner
portions of the right and left wing frames are movably attached to
corresponding rear portions of the right and left interframes such
that in a transport configuration each of the right and left wing
frames is pivotable about the corresponding right and left front
interframe pivot axes. Right and left latch mechanisms are each
selectively operative to lock the rear inner portion of the
corresponding wing frame to the corresponding interframe in a
working configuration where pivotal movement about the
corresponding front interframe pivot axis is prevented. A center
actuator is operative to pivot the center frame about the hitch
pivot axis such that the center frame, the right and left
interframes, and the right and left wing frames move from an
operating position extending rearward from the hitch pivot axis to
an initial transport position extending upward from the hitch pivot
axis. The right and left wing pivot axes are in a substantially
horizontal orientation parallel to the operating travel direction
when the center frame, the right and left interframes, and the
right and left wing frames are in the operating position, and the
right and left wing pivot axes are in a substantially upright
orientation when the center frame, the right and left interframes,
and the right and left wing frames are in the initial transport
position. The front interframe pivot axes are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the wing pivot axes and are in a
substantially vertical orientation when the center frame, the right
and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames are in the
operating position. The right and left interframes and the right
and left wing frames pivot about the upright wing pivot axes from
the initial transport position extending laterally outward from the
corresponding right and left ends of the center frame to a final
transport position extending rearward from the corresponding right
and left ends of the center frame.
[0009] In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides an
agricultural implement apparatus comprising a center frame
supported on center wheels for travel in an operating travel
direction, and right and left interframes pivotally attached to
corresponding right and left ends of the center frame about
corresponding right and left wing pivot axes. Right and left wing
frames are pivotally attached at front inner ends thereof to
corresponding front ends of the right and left interframes about
corresponding right and left substantially parallel front
interframe pivot axes. Rear inner portions of the right and left
wing frames are movably attached to corresponding rear portions of
the right and left interframes such that the each of the right and
left wing frames are movable away from and toward the corresponding
right and left interframes as the right and left wing frames pivot
about the corresponding interframe pivot axes. Right and left latch
mechanisms are each operative to releasably attach the rear inner
portion of the corresponding wing frame to the corresponding
interframe such that pivotal movement about the corresponding right
and left front interframe pivot axes of each wing frame with
respect to the corresponding interframe is prevented. A center
actuator is operative to pivot the center frame, the right and left
interframes, and the right and left wing frames from an operating
position extending rearward, to an initial transport position
extending upward. The right and left wing pivot axes are in a
substantially horizontal orientation parallel to the operating
travel direction when the center frame, the right and left
interframes, and the right and left wing frames are in the
operating position, and the right and left wing pivot axes are in a
substantially upright orientation when the center frame, the right
and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames are in the
initial transport position. The front interframe pivot axes are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the wing pivot axes and are
in a substantially vertical orientation when the center frame, the
right and left interframes, and the right and left wing frames are
in the operating position. The right and left interframes, and the
right and left wing frames attached thereto, pivot about the
upright wing pivot axes from the initial transport position
extending laterally outward from the corresponding right and left
ends of the center frame to a final transport position extending
rearward from the corresponding right and left ends of the center
frame.
[0010] The present disclosure provides an implement apparatus with
improved transport and operating characteristics. The implement
apparatus has rear folding wing frames that are free to float up
and down with respect to the center frame to follow the ground when
folded upward and rearward for transport, and also are secured to
the center frame at front and rear ends thereof when folded
downward and extending laterally during field operations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions
hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying
detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction
with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the
several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an embodiment of
an agricultural implement apparatus of the present disclosure in an
operating position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
operating position with the latch mechanisms engaged to maintain
the wing frames in alignment with the center frame for field
operation;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
operating position with the latch mechanisms disengaged and the
outer ends of the wing frames slightly forward of the center
frame;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
operating position with the latch mechanisms disengaged and the
outer ends of the wing frames slightly rearward of the center
frame;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
center frame, interframes, and wing frames oriented upright in the
initial transport position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
center frame, interframes, and wing frames oriented upright in the
initial transport position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
center frame, interframes, and wing frames oriented upright in the
final transport position;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of right interframe of the embodiment
of FIG. 1 showing the connection thereof to the center frame and
right wing frame;
[0020] FIG. 9 is front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
showing the latch mechanisms engaged to lock the interframes to the
corresponding wing frames;
[0021] FIG. 10 is rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
showing the left latch mechanism disengaged, the left scissor
assembly open, and the left wing frame moved away from the
corresponding left interframe;
[0022] FIGS. 11 and 11A respectively show schematic top and end
views of an alternate movable connection between the rear portion
of the wing frame and the rear portion of the interframe where the
connection is provided by a pivot plate assembly;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of a further alternate
movable connection between the rear portion of the wing frame and
the rear portion of the interframe where the connection is provided
by a fixed plate assembly;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the left latch
assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the engaged position with
the latch bar engaged in the latch hook and thereby securing the
left wing frame to the left interframe;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the left latch
assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a disengaged position with
the latch bar moved out of engagement with the latch hook such that
the left wing frame and the left interframe can move toward or away
from each other;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
final transport position on substantially level ground with rear
outer wheels and front center wheels at the same height;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
final transport position on uneven ground with rear outer wheels
below the front center wheels;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
final transport position on uneven ground with rear outer wheels
above the front center wheels;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the
final transport position making a turn;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing
the low position of the right wing pivot axis.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an agricultural
implement apparatus 1 of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1
comprises a hitch frame 3 with a forward end 5 thereof adapted for
attachment to a towing vehicle (not shown). A center frame 7 has a
front end thereof pivotally attached to a rear end of the hitch
frame 3 about a hitch pivot axis HPA oriented substantially
horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction T.
Center wheels 9 support the rear end of the hitch frame 3 for
travel in the operating travel direction T.
[0032] Right and left interframes 11R, 11L are pivotally attached
to corresponding right and left ends of the center frame 7 about
corresponding right and left wing pivot axes WPA. Right and left
wing frames 13R, 13L are pivotally attached at front inner ends
thereof to corresponding front ends of the interframes 11 about
corresponding right and left substantially parallel front
interframe pivot axes IPA. In a typical implement apparatus 1
ground engaging tools such as discs, shanks, harrows, or the like
are mounted on the center frame 7 and wing frames 13 as is known in
the art and for clarity of illustration are not shown.
[0033] Rear inner portions 15 of the wing frames 13 are movably
attached to corresponding rear portions 17 of the right and left
interframes 11 such that in a transport configuration each wing
frame 13 is free to pivot about the corresponding interframe pivot
axes IPA from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in
FIG. 4.
[0034] Right and left latch mechanisms 19R, 19L are each
selectively operative to lock the rear inner portion 15 of the
corresponding wing frame 13 to the corresponding interframe 11 in a
working configuration where pivotal movement about the
corresponding front interframe pivot axis IPA is prevented, and the
wing frames 13 are secured in the position shown in FIG. 2. The
latch mechanisms 19 releasably attach the inner portion 15 of the
corresponding wing frame 13 to the corresponding interframe 11.
[0035] A center actuator, provided by center hydraulic cylinders
21, is operative to pivot the center frame 7 about the hitch pivot
axis HPA such that the center frame 7, the right and left
interframes 11R, 11L, and the right and left wing frames 13R, 13L
move from an operating position extending rearward from the hitch
pivot axis HPA to an initial transport position extending upward
from the hitch pivot axis HPA as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The
movable attachment of the rear inner portions 15 of the wing frames
13 to corresponding rear portions 17 of the right and left
interframes 11 is described further below, but in any event is
configured such that when the center frame 7 is pivoted upward
about the hitch pivot axis HPA the interframes 11 and wing frames
13 move upward together with the center frame 7. The latch
mechanisms 19 are disengaged to allow the wing frames 13 to pivot
about the corresponding interframe pivot axes WA.
[0036] The right and left wing pivot axes WPA are in a
substantially horizontal orientation parallel to the operating
travel direction T when the center frame 7, the right and left
interframes 11R, 11L, and the right and left wing frames 13R, 13L
are in the operating position of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the right and
left wing pivot axes WPA are in a substantially upright orientation
when the center frame 7, the right and left interframes 11R, 11L,
and the right and left wing frames 13R, 13L are in the initial
transport position of FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0037] The front interframe pivot axes IPA are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the wing pivot axes WPA and are in a
substantially vertical orientation when the center frame 7, the
right and left interframes 11R, 11L, and the right and left wing
frames 13R, 13L are in the operating position of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0038] Once the initial transport position of FIGS. 5 and 6 is
attained, the towing vehicle moves in the operating travel
direction T, the outer wheels 23 pivot to a transport position and
the interframes 11, and wing frames 13 pivot about the upright wing
pivot axes WPA from the initial transport position extending
laterally outward from the corresponding right and left ends of the
center frame 7 to a final transport position shown in FIG. 7
extending rearward from the corresponding right and left ends of
the center frame 7.
[0039] In the illustrated apparatus 1, the rear inner portions 15
of the right and left wing frames 13 are movably attached to the
corresponding rear portions 17 of the right and left interframes 11
by corresponding right and left scissor assemblies 25R, 25L. As
seen in more detail in FIG. 8, each scissor assembly 25 comprises
an outer arm 27 pivotally attached to an inner arm 29 about a
center scissor axis CSA oriented substantially parallel to the
front interframe pivot axes IPA. The outer arm 27 is pivotally
attached at an outer end thereof to a rear inner end of the
corresponding wing frame 13 about an outer scissor pivot axis OSA
which is also oriented substantially parallel to the front
interframe pivot axes IPA, and the inner arm 29 is pivotally
attached at an inner end thereof to a rear end of the corresponding
interframe 11 about an inner scissor pivot axis ISA which is again
oriented substantially parallel to the front interframe pivot axes
IPA.
[0040] To provide sufficient support to raise the wing frame 13
with the interframe 11 the outer arm 27 is pivotally attached to
the inner arm 29 by upper and lower center scissor pins 31 as seen
in FIGS. 9 and 10. Similarly the outer arm 27 is pivotally attached
at the outer end thereof to the rear inner end of the corresponding
wing frame 13 by upper and lower outer scissor pins 33 and the
inner arm 29 is pivotally attached at the inner end thereof to the
rear end of the corresponding interframe 11 by upper and lower
inner scissor pins 35.
[0041] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an alternate movable
connection between the rear portion 15' of the wing frame 13' and
the rear portion 17' of the interframe 11' where the connection is
provided by a pivot plate assembly 37' comprising a slotted pivot
plate 39' pivotally attached at an inner end thereof to a rear end
of the corresponding interframe 11 by an inner plate pivot pin 41'
oriented substantially parallel to the front interframe pivot axis
IPA and pivotally attached at an outer end thereof to a rear inner
end of the corresponding wing frame 13' by an outer plate pivot pin
43' oriented substantially parallel to the inner plate pivot pin
41' and the front interframe pivot axis IPA. One or the other of
the inner and outer plate pivot pins 41', 43' can be configured to
move in the slot 45' defined by the slotted plate 39' to allow the
wing frame 13' to pivot with respect to the interframe 11' about
the front interframe pivot axis IPA. In the illustrated pivot plate
assembly 37' the outer plate pivot pin 43' moves in the slot
45.
[0042] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 11A, the inner plate
pivot pin 41' extends through first and second interframe brackets
47' attached to the rear end of the interframe 11', and the outer
plate pivot pin 43' similarly extends through first and second wing
brackets 49' attached to the rear inner end of the corresponding
wing frame 13'. The slotted pivot plate 39' is located between the
corresponding first and second interframe brackets 47' and between
the corresponding first and second wing brackets 49'.
[0043] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a further alternate
movable connection between the rear portion 15'' of the wing frame
13'' and the rear portion 17'' of the interframe 11'' where the
connection is provided by a fixed plate assembly 51''. The fixed
plate assembly 51'' comprises slotted fixed plate 53'' pivotally
fixed at a first end thereof to the rear end of the interframe
11'', and a curved slot 55'' defined by the fixed plate 53''. The
curved slot 55'' is configured to follow the arc of a circle with
the center of the circle coincidental with the front interframe
pivot axis IPA, and a radius AR. A guide pin 57'' extends from the
rear inner end of the wing frame 13'' and through the curved slot
55'' to a pin head 59'' which keeps the guide pin 57'' in the slot
55''. The radius AR is the same as the distance D from the guide
pin 57'' to the front interframe pivot axis IPA so the curved slot
55'' is configured such that the guide pin 57'' moves along the
curved slot 55'' when the corresponding wing frame 13'' pivots with
respect to the interframe 11 about the front interframe pivot axis
IPA.
[0044] It is contemplated that the fixed plate 53'' could also be
fixed instead to the rear inner end of the wing frame 13'' with the
guide pin 57'' fixed to the interframe 11''.
[0045] The illustrated latch mechanisms 19 comprise, as seen in
FIG. 10, a first latch member 61 movably attached to the wing frame
13 and a second latch member 63 attached to the corresponding
interframe 11. The second latch member comprises a latch bar 65 and
the first latch member 61 defines a latch hook 67 configured to
secure the latch bar 65 when the first latch member 61 is in the
engaged position and the second latch member 63 is in an engageable
position. A bias element 69 is operative to exert a bias force BF
urging the first latch member 61 toward the engaged position
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0046] The first and second latch members 61, 63 are configured
such that when the wing frame 13 pivots toward the corresponding
interframe 11 about the corresponding front interframe pivot axis
IPA in engaging direction ED, the second latch member 63 contacts
the first latch member 61 and forces the first latch member 61 away
from the engaged position until the second latch member 63 is in an
engageable position as shown in FIG. 13, at which point the bias
force BF moves the first latch member 61 to the engaged position
such that the latch bar 65 is in the latch hook 67 securing the
second latch member 63 to the first latch member. Maneuvering the
apparatus 1 with the towing vehicle as is known in the art can
achieve the desired relative motion in the direction ED to engage
the latch mechanisms 19.
[0047] A latch actuator 71 is operative to release the second latch
member 63 from the first latch member 61. In the illustrated
apparatus 1 the second latch member 63 is, like the first latch
member 61, also movably attached to the interframe 11 and the latch
actuator 71 is operative to move the latch bar 65 of the second
latch member 63 out of the engageable position as seen in FIG. 14
to release the latch bar 65 from the latch hook 67.
[0048] Moving the second latch member 63 as shown in FIG. 14 allows
the first latch member 61 to move past the second latch member 63
so that the attached the wing frame 13 can move closer to the
interframe 11 to attain the position illustrated in FIG. 4 and also
in FIG. 17 described below, where the rear inner portion 15 of each
wing frame 13 is closer to the corresponding interframe 11 than
when the latch mechanisms 19 are engaged to lock them together.
[0049] FIGS. 15-18 show the apparatus 1 in the final transport
position, with the wing frames 13 extending rearward from the
center frame 7, and the latch mechanisms 19 disengaged so the wing
frames 13 are free to pivot with respect to the interframes 11
about the corresponding interframe pivot axes IPA as the scissor
assemblies 25 open and close. FIG. 15 shows the apparatus on level
ground, while in FIG. 16 the front center wheels 9 are higher than
the rear wing wheels 23, and in FIG. 17 the front center wheels 9
are lower than the rear wing wheels 23. FIG. 18 shows that during a
turn while in the final transport position the wing frames 13 and
interframes 11 pivot about the wheel pivot axes WPA.
[0050] FIG. 19 shows the apparatus 1 in the operating position and
how the interframes are pivotally attached at lower portions
thereof about the wing pivot axis WPA to lower portions of the
corresponding ends of the center frame 7, such that each wing pivot
axis WPA is located at a vertical location in proximity to
rotational axes RA of the center wheels 9 when the center frame 7,
the interframes 11, and the wing frames 13 are in the operating
position. With this low wing pivot axis WPA, the spacing of the
ground engaging tools typically attached to the center and wing
frames 7, 13, at the point where the tools engage the ground
surface, is only slightly affected when the wing frames 13 pivot
upward and downward with respect to the center frame 7. As the
location of the wing pivot axis WPA moves upward it can be seen the
such spacing is increasingly changed as the wing frames 13 pivot up
and down.
[0051] The present disclosure provides an implement apparatus 1
with improved transport characteristics. The implement apparatus 1
has rear folding wing frames that are free to float up and down
with respect to the center frame to follow the ground when folded
upward and rearward for transport, and also are secured to the
center frame at front and rear ends thereof when folded downward
and extending laterally during field operations.
[0052] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and
modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable
changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be
resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed
invention.
* * * * *